Whareroa claims top honour at Fonterra manufacturing awards
Fonterra’s Whareroa took home the prestigious Directors Award at the Co-op’s ‘Oscars of Manufacturing’, while Clandeboye led the way with multiple wins at this year's Best Site Cup.
Around 200 representatives from Fonterra’s 24 New Zealand manufacturing sites gathered last week to celebrate the incredible achievements across the network over the past season.
This year, 20 awards were presented, recognising excellence across a wide range of categories – from quality and health and safety through to sustainability and innovation – showcasing the depth of capability across the Co-op's manufacturing network.
Fonterra Chief Operating Officer Anna Palairet says it's wonderful to celebrate the incredible work the team does every day.
"What stands out is our people. The work they do from collecting milk from our farmer shareholders all the way through to getting amazing high-quality products to our customers. They've done some incredible mahi.
The Best Site Cup, now in its 20th year, is a long-running highlight for the Co-op. It shines a spotlight on the more than 7,000 manufacturing employees across the country, recognising the critical role they play in delivering value for farmer shareholders, customers and communities.
"It's brilliant to be here to acknowledge all the people who are here to celebrate with us, and also all our people at sites working on a daily basis to make that happen."
Fonterra’s Director of New Zealand Manufacturing, Chris Kane, says it’s a proud moment to reflect on what teams have achieved over a busy season.
“With strong milk collections across the country, it’s been a demanding season for everyone at our sites. These awards are about more than results – they reflect the daily commitment to safety, quality, teamwork and continuous improvement that keeps our Co-op strong.”
Clandeboye
- Customers Cup: Fonterra Clandeboye was recognised for their strong customer focus through a complex and demanding season. Their close engagement with key partners and quick response to changing customer needs have contributed to building long-term relationships in market.
- Delivery Excellence Cup: The team achieved record mozzarella production volume this season, while continuing to lift capability, engagement, and safety performance.
- Health & Safety Cup: The site has built a strong safety culture with a proactive approach to reduce risk, delivering a significant improvement in safety performance.
- Greater China Quality Star Awards: Fonterra Clandeboye was also recognised with both the Greater China Quality Star Cheese Cup and Milk Fats Cup, reflecting its consistent delivery of high-quality products to key markets.
Whareroa
- Directors Award: This award recognises leadership that reflects the Co-op’s values and ways of working. Fonterra Whareroa team received this award for their strong commitment to people, product and standards, even under pressure.
Edendale
- Best Large Site: Fonterra Edendale has delivered an exceptional year, progressing major projects such as the new UHT cream plant and the installation of electrode boilers, while continuing to strengthen connection with community and Iwi.
- Quality Cup: The site also maintained strong quality performance despite challenging weather events.
Waitoa
- Best Medium Site: Waitoa had a successful season, achieving record results in UHT processing.
- People Cup: The site’s focus on people, capability, and culture has created a more resilient and connected team, setting Waitoa up for sustained success.
Reporoa
- Best Small Site: Reporoa has had a well-rounded year, building on strong performance while continuing to unlock capacity and improve workforce efficiency.
Table of winners
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| Health & Safety Cup | Clandeboye |
| People Cup | Waitoa |
| Quality Cup | Edendale |
| Customer Cup | Clandeboye |
| Sustainability Cup | Morrinsville |
| Productivity Cup | Eltham |
| Compliance Cup | Kapuni |
| Delivery Excellence Cup (Previously Specialty Site) | Clandeboye |
| Best Small Site | Reporoa |
| Best Medium Site | Waitoa |
| Best Large Site | Edendale |
| Directors Cup | Whareroa |
| Transport / Tūhono (Safe & Efficient) | Lower South Island - Dwayne Smith |
| Fuel Efficiency | Te Rapa |
| Japan Protein Cup | Clandeboye MPC |
| Japan Cheese Cup | Hautapu |
| Greater China Quality Star Milk Powders Cup | Darfield |
| Greater China Quality Star Cheese Cup | Clandeboye |
| Greater China Quality Star Milk Fats Cup | Clandeboye |
| Greater China Quality Star Protein Cup | Edgecumbe |